Monday, March 12, 2012

If you were to ask most people to list the most important inventions of the past 100 years, they would probably name things like electricity or the automobile or the washing machine. All great ones, of course, but for me I would have to include a few that have specifically made parenting easier, more convenient, and all-around more manageable.

And at the very top of that list? The video monitor.

The convenience and peace of mind from being able to see and check on your child without having to get up or risk disturbing them is unparalleled. Once you've tried it, there's no way of going back and I recommend a video monitor to every new or soon-to-be parent that asks about my favorite products.

Can you make do without one? Absolutely. But why in the world would you?

One of the top brands of infant products and accessories in the global market, Tommee Tippee originated in Great Britain and has since made its way to the U.S. with its numerous award-winning items. While already known for revolutionizing the infant feeding market with their line of baby bottles and accessories, Tommee Tippee has recently added baby monitors to their collection... and the Closer to Nature Digital Sensor Pad Monitor is nothing short of amazing.

With features galore, this monitor makes it possible to take care of your baby in just about every possible way — without ever having to set foot in the room. From the sensisleep pad underneath the crib mattress to the large, 2.8" full color LCD screen to the clear, crisp sound, parents never have to worry that they will miss a moment when this virtual watchdog is around.

As soon as the Sensor Pad Monitor arrived, it was easy to see that it was intuitively designed to provide complete peace of mind.

Pulling each piece out of the box, I was immediately impressed with the sleek, modern look of this video monitor. The camera is contemporary but unassuming enough that it would blend in with any decor and the parent receiver isn't much larger than the size of a cell phone.

Looking over the parts, I knew that this was going to be ready for use as soon as it was plugged in and each piece was positioned into place.

As the camera has a triangular shape with a wide, flat base, it can easily be stood up on a shelf or ledge and angled directly into the sleeping area for viewing. I appreciated that the camera itself is adjusted simply by pulling it forward until your child is perfectly within range (and there is even a zoom option on the parent unit in case you need a closer look).

After the camera is in place, the innovative and exclusive sensisleep pad is placed directly underneath the crib mattress to detect even the slightest newborn movement. This extremely thin device has a sensitivity setting, ensuring that parents can set it to exactly the right level that works for them.

If baby hasn't moved in 20 seconds, this pad (which is connected to the monitor right in the nursery) will alert parents...

...through multiple flashing and sound alarms on both the parent and child devices.

Although the alarm that sounds from the child monitor is quite loud (meaning that if your child had somehow just been very still while sleeping, they would definitely be woken up), parents also have the option to using this monitor without the sensor pad, so if they find that this safety measure isn't one that works for them, they can leave it detached.

Whether with or without the sensipad, the Closer to Nature Digital Video Sensor Pad Monitor provides all of the reassurance that parents need to know that their child is safe and sound. I love that the camera and the receiver have all of their buttons labeled and located right on the front...

...and that it is very intuitive to know exactly which one to press to do anything from turning on and off the power to using one of my all-time favorite features: talk-back. With one press of a button you can reassure your baby (or, when they are a little older, tell them that it is time to stop getting out of bed and go to sleep) without ever having to set foot in the room.

Another great feature that Tommee Tippee included that can be done remotely is the use of the built-in, adjustable night light. By quickly scrolling through the menu options on the parent unit, you are able to turn on a gentle glow (on low, medium or high) on the back of the child unit.

This unobtrusive light is great for times you need to head in to check on your child, visit for nighttime feedings, turn it on for soothing and more.

From the infrared night vision to the room temperature display to the long distance range (1000 feet and not a speck of interference) and much more, Tommee Tippee has truly created a technologically-advanced monitor that is sure to be a hit for new and seasoned moms alike.

The way that this product provides peace of mind on every level is something that every parent shouldn't be without, whether their child is a newborn or a toddler. It has already added so much convenience and ease to my life that I wonder what we did without it!

Although the Closer to Nature Digital Video Sensor Pad Monitor has a higher price tag ($299.99), I do believe that this is one splurge that is worth it due to the amount of use it will get, the assistance it can provide, and the overall relief and restful night sleep it can bring to the whole family.

Now officially available at all Target stores across the country and on Target.com, keep an eye out for Tommee Tippee's Closer to Nature and Explora products at your local Target. Find out more about this incredible monitor and the rest of their items on their website as well as connecting with this company on Facebook and Twitter.

(Other than the Closer to Nature Digital Video Sensor Pad Monitor that I received from Tommee Tippee, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this amazing product.)